The third summer of the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (Summer EBT) Program is currently underway. Thirty-eight states, the District of Columbia, five Indian Tribal Organizations, and five U.S. territories are at work sending millions of families across the country grocery benefits that can help ensure their children remain fed throughout the summer months. Despite being a newer program, best practices around multiple aspects of implementation have already begun to emerge, and increasing redemption rates is an important part of ensuring the program’s success.
Summer should be a time for children to explore new interests, stay active, and continue learning in safe and supportive environments. National Summer Learning Week, observed July 6–10, is an opportunity to highlight the importance of summer programs and the role they play in supporting children, families, and communities. It is also a time to recognize that for many families, summer brings challenges: ensuring children continue to have access to nutritious meals when school is out.
During the school year, millions of children rely on school meals to stay nourished and ready to learn. When school lets out for the summer, children lose access to those daily meals. The Summer Nutrition Programs help fill that gap by providing free meals and snacks to children and teens 18 years old and under at approved sites in communities across the country. These programs help ensure that children can stay healthy, active, and connected to supportive community spaces while school is out.